I've done searches and found some answers but not all. I have a 1968 corvette manual steering. I want power and original type unit. My frustration is in talking to vendors that sell the rebuilt and new valves. Apparently they all leak. I do not like the foreign built and would like to stay with an original rebuilt. I talked to lonestar and they have rebuilt ones and a 5 year warranty. If it leaks send it back. All I'm out is work. Anyone else deal with them.

 

Lone Star is a good company.

 

I've used them with good results.

 

Installed one a few years ago (I think) on my 75 and it did NOT leak. Just make sure you seat the hoses correctly.

 

It took me a couple of tries to find a pump that didn’t leak. Surprisingly, it was a cheap Chinese one that finally worked. I have had good luck with Lone Star on other parts though.

And if you want to determine how bad your leak was (and how frustrated I was) give this a read

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...uch-a-car.html

 

I've had good luck with Lonestar and CSSB Inc. for brake components. Both are US sources for rebuilt steering valves. It seems that a good OEM core, and attention to detail during the rebuild, are correlated with leak-free operation.

 

Interesting read. People say if it ain't leaking it's not a corvette. I would just like to stay ahead of them if possible. I think I will go with the lone star. Any company that warranty their product must have some faith in them. There's a good you tube showing a guy removing and installing one on his corvette. Any other vendor tips or installation tips are appreciated

 

MOXIE62,
I just finished converting my 69 to power steering. Don't forget to get a power steering pitman arm; they are different. This caused me some frustration until I did some research and figured it out.
My cylinder hasn't leaked yet and never bought from Lonestar. Good luck with the project!
Mike

 

Bikespace mention and I think he is right. A good core and a good builder would give me the best odds of no leaks. I think I found a very good core and now a builder. Besides the ones mention, I talked to Mark at Blair's and he seem knowedgeable. Any experience with them.

 

Bair's in PA rebuilt my trailing arms, and did a fine job. They moved the parking brake bracket to the top of the arm, as I had requested. I haven't tried them for brake or steering parts, but if they guarantee their work, I wouldn't hesitate to send it to them.

 

I believe Wilcox has a video on rebuilding the ram. I has a few tips that really help to make sure you do it right.

 

Bairs does good work in general and obviously they have decades of experience. I used them for a Dana 44 rebuild/gear swap and a TA rebuild. I'll note up front, they build to meet factory specs. There are some very good other builders you'll find online here who go beyond specs to near perfection. Obviously, there's no such thing as a free lunch, so the cost is justifiably more. In my opinion, the question is how much driving do you expect and with how much power If it's a lot, then a custom builder may be better.

In Bairs case, the Dana rebuild initially had a lot of coast whine.To an extent that may not be the fault of the builder since frankly gears aren't what they used to be. Based on a recording I made Bairs agreed the noise was excessive paid shipping both ways to redo the setup, moving the pattern a little higher. This did reduce the noise considerably. They also met with me at Carlisle a year later to diagnose a knocking sound that I've had even before they worked on the differential. Their conclusion was it was mostly likely in the exhaust, but if it does turn out to be in the diff they'll cover it.

As for the original question, on good rebuild up front, I had CSSB rebuild the PS control valve and cylinder. I haven't driven the car much in the two years since. But they haven't leaked yet.

 

Thanks everyone. I found what is supposed to be an NOS. I plan on installing in a few weeks. If it leaks, I'm gong to try and rebuild. I've seen the video several times and it does not appear to be that difficult. I've rebuilt engines, carbs , trans and other mechanical items. Should be able to take on the PS.